Electrical connector assembly



Dec. 28, 1965 R. SENIOR, JR 3,226,667

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY Filed March 4, 1965 5 heets-Sheet 1 HI m NP ii 91 RQBERT SEMIORR ATTORNEYS Dec. 28, 1965 R. SENIOR, JR 3,226,667

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY Filed March 4, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ROBERT Samoa, J2.

ATTORNEYS DCC- 28, 1965 R. sENxoR, JR

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY INVENTOR Robert Senior, Jr.

5 Sheets-Sheet 3 BY EWAZM Filed March 4, 1965 ATTORNEYS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Dec. 28, 1965 R. SENIOR, JR

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY Filed March 4, 1965 Dec. 28, 1965 R. SENIOR, JR

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 4, 1965 R O T N E V m Roberf Senior, Jr.

5720K, MW

ATTORNEYS United States Patent O M 3,226,667 ELECTRICAL CQNNECTOR ASSEMBLY Robert Senior, Jr., Cincinnati, hio, assigner to Empire Products, line., lincinnati, hio, a corporation of Ohio Filed Mar. 4, 1965, Ser. No. 437,235

7 Claims. (Cl. 339-91) This is a continuation-in-part of patent application Serial No. 265,107 tiled March 4, 1963, now abandoned.

This invention relates to electrical connectors and more particularly to means for joining independent lengths of insulated electric cable so that there is good electrical contact between the independent cable lengths, the joinder of cable lengths being such that the union between them will be secure during the period when union is desired,

A yet which can be readily released when it is desired to separate them.

Electrical connector means for connecting one electric cable to another are known, and those in use generally involve connector elements fastened to the ends of electric cables. A very satisfactory means depends upon cam interconnection between a pair of mating connector elements to supply mechanical union and, as Well, good electric contact between cable termini. By cam interconnection is meant the provision of a cam surface in one connector, and cam surface engaging means in a mating connector, interconnection being effected when there is mutual rotation of the connectors in such manner that the engaging means is brought into rm contact with the cam surface.

A feature of the kind of connector described is that each connector element may be wholly contained within an insulating body. When interconnection between connector elements is made, the insulating bodies may be also united to protect the connectors from water or other media with which it might be harmful for the connectors to come into contact. Nothing external to the insulating bodies is required for secure interconnection between connector elements. Connection and separation of connectors may thus be carried out While good insulating protection for the connector means is maintained.

The type of electrical connector described finds use with all sizes of cables. In practice, however, it has been `found that where larger size cables are joined, difficulties in maintaining union of connectors under field conditions arise. Where cables are joined by mutual rotation, a force tending towards counter-rotation of the cable connectors is set up. The effect of this force becomes more pronounced in cables of larger diameter, and actual separation of connectors has occurred under conditions of use. Separation results where there is some increase in the counterrotation force exerted, and inevitably an increase will occur where there is movement of the cable as there is in applications such as ship to shore electrical connection or in maintaining electrical connection with mining equipment which is moving forward.

It is the primary objective of the present invention to deal with the prevention of separation of electric cable connectors at times when separation is not desired. This objective is implemented herein by providing positive locking means which comes into play when electrical connectors are mutually rotated to engage cam surface and cam surface engaging means. The positive locking means continues to operate until an armative act of release is performed by the user of the cables.

Another objective herein is to provide electrical connector means which can be locked in engaged condition, release requiring the application of an external force, yet in which metal electrical connector elements are maintained completely insulated from contact with any harmful outside media.

Patented Dec. 28, 1965 Still another object herein is to provide positive locking means for electrical cable connectors which is self compensating for wear.

A further object is to provide electrical connector means which is useful not only to join ends of disparate cables, but may also be used in making electrical connection between a cable and a stationary receptacle as might be mounted in a control panel board.

How these and many other objects are to be implemented will become clear through a consideration of the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view partially broken away illustrating an electrical connector assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section partly broken away through Ithe components of the assembly shown in FIG. 1, and illustrating the parts in separated relationship;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to that shown in FIG. 2 and illustrating the components in assembled relationship with respect to one another;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 4--4 of FIG. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5 is a sectional View taken substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a top exploded perspective View illustrating the assembly of the components of one of the electrical connectors of the present invention along with one of the components of the locking mechanism;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional View taken substantially along line 7-7 of FIG. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. S is a top plan View of an insulaitng body Within which is contained one of a pair of mating electrical connectors;

FIG. 9 is a section taken at 9--9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal view of an insulating body and electrical connector means therein for mating with the insulating body and electrical connector means of FIGS. 8 and 9, with the insulating body shown in section and the electrical connector means therein shown in part broken away;

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view showing in assembled relationship the pair of electrical connectors and insulating bodies independently shown in FIGS. 9 and FIG. 12 is a section taken at 12-12 of FIG. 9; FIG. 13 is a section taken at 13-13 of FIG. 9; FIG. 14 is a section taken at 14-14 of FIG. 9; FIG. 15 is a section taken at 15-15 of FIG. 10; FIG. 16 is a section taken at 16-16 of FIG. 11; and FIG. 17 is a side view partially in section showing an electrical connector similar to that shown in FIG. 10, but in a stationary panel board mounting, such electrical connector being disposed within an appropriate insulating body.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several Views, FIG. l indicates the general relationship of the parts wherein first and second bodies of resilient electrically insulating material are indicated generally by reference numerals 20 and 21, these bodies, for example, being formed of rubber or similar substance. Bodies 20 and 21 are associated with the cables 24 and 25 respectively which in turn are connected with the electrical connector means 26 and 27 which are disposed within the bodies 20 and 21 respectively.

Referring particularly to FIG. 2, cable 24 includes the central conductor portion 30 which is surrounded by a body of insulation 31. The insulating body means 20 includes a main cylindrical portion 35 having an integral rearwardly extending reduced portion 36 which in turn joins with a tapered portion 37. The entire body 20 has a bore 3S extending longitudinally therethrough, it being noted that the insulation 31 of the cable fits snugly within the bore portion 3S within portions 36 and 37 of the body 26 to provide a fluid-tight seal therewith.

The outer end 35 of the portion 35 is provided with an inner recess having a generally arcuate wall portion 4th, this recess being adapted to receive a complementary shaped projection formed on body means 21 as hereinafter described.

Electrical connector means 26 includes a main body portion l5 which may have a depression 46 formed at the rear end thereof, portion 45 being formed of an electrically conductive material and being of a relatively hard material such as brass or the like. The connector means 26 includes a longitudinally extending hollow cylindrical portion 47 fixed to the rear `end of portion 45 and being formed of a soft material such as copper or the like which is adapted to receive the bared end of the cable and be suitably connected thereto as by crimping or the like, as indicated by reference numeral 4S in FIG. 3 for example. The bared end of the cable may also be connected to the connector by eliminating portion 47 and lengthening the rear end of body portion 45, providing a drilled hole and soldering the end of the cable in place.

Portion 45 of the electrical connector means 26 includes a forwardly extending substantially cylindrical connecting portion 50 which is split longitudinally thereof as indicated at l to provide a lower portion 52 and an upper portion 53. This longitudinal splitting of portion 50 provides it with a certain degree of resilience, the amount of relative movement permitted between portions 52 and 53 being governed by a small set screw 54 which is threaded into a cooperating opening 55 in portion 53 and which is adapted to engage the upper face of portion 52 as will be apparent for adjusting the degree to which the two portions may be squeezed toward one another. It will also he apparent that portion 45 may in some cases be made without the slit 50, but the slit construction shown is considered preferable.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 6, portion 5t) of the connector means 26 is provided with a longitudinally extending cutout portion 58 which joins with a circumferentially extending cutout groove 60. As seen most clearly in FIG. 5, groove 60 has a maximum depth at a portion 61, the groove extending in a clockwise direction in such a manner as to decrease the depth of the groove to a point 62 wherein the groove again joins the outer surface of the portion 50. Groove 60 serves as a cam groove for receiving a suitable portion of the cooperating electrical connector means hereinafter described, so as to enable cooperating portions of the two electrical connector means to obtain maximum pressure therebetween and minimum electrical resistance while at the same time locking the connectors together.

As seen in FIG. 6, electrical connector means 26 is provided with a longitudinally extending groove 65 formed in the upper surface thereof, this groove serving to receive and guide for movement therewithin a locking member indicated generally by reference numeral 67. Locking member 67 includes a main body portion 70 having a notch 7l formed in the upper edge thereof and including a depending rounded leg portion 72. The main body portion 70 includes a longitudinally extending portion 75 of reduced size, member 75 having formed on the upper edge thereof a tooth portion indicated by reference numeral 76, this tooth portion having the configuration as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 of a ratchet tooth or pawl member having an apex portion 77. Member 76 will hereinafter be referred to as the locking tooth.

A radially extending hole S0 is provided in connector means 26 as seen in FIG. 6, the hole having a slightly greater diameter than the width of slot 65 as illustrated, this hole being adapted to receive and retain in operative position a small compression spring Sli which bears against the under surface of the locking member to urge the locking end portion thereof having the locking tooth formed thereon in an upward direction. A circumferentially extending groove is provided in the outer surface of connector means 26 and is adapted to receive a resilient split snap ring 86 which is also engaged in the notch 7l of the locking member, ring 86 serving to retain the locking member in operative position within the groove 65 and cooperating with'the depending leg portion 72 to limit the movement of the locking tooth 76 in an upward direction as viewed for example in FIG. 2 while at the same time permitting the locking tooth to be moved downwardly against the force of spring 8l when it is desired to selectively release the locking mechanism. The locking member may also be pivotally supported on a pin extending through a hole in the connector means if desired. It will be noted as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 for example that the apex portion 77 of tooth 76 is formed and extends along or parallel with the central or longitudinal axis of the connector means 26. The purpose of this arrangement will appear more fully hereinafter.

As seen in FIG. 2, the locking member 67 is completely surrounded by and protected by the body portion 35 when the body 20 is in operative position on the associated cable, and accordingly, it is necessary to provide a release means for selectively releasing the locking member when so desired. This release means includes a flexible or relieved portion of the body indicated by reference numeral 90, it being apparent that portion 9i) is of considerably less thickness than the adjacent body portions 35 and 35 thereby making portion 90 considerably more flexible.

It is apparent that the release means may take various for-ms as long as it is operable from the exterior of body portion 35 and at the same time will maintain a iluidtight seal.

This flexibility may be enhanced by providing an annular notch 91 about portion 90 to further relieve this portion and increase the exibility thereof. The thickness is so reduced so as to readily enable portion 90 to be deformed inwardly upon the application of manual pressure to the outer surface thereof.

A hardened insert 93 of suitable material such as plastic or the like is molded into the inner surface of the flexible portion 96, insert 93 having a generally cylindrical outer surface and being adapted to engage the upper edge of the locking member 67. It is apparent as seen in FIG. 2 that inward pressure of portion 90 will move the insert 93 against the upper edge of the locking member thereby permitting the locking member to move downwardly to carry the locking tooth 76 radially inwardly for releasing the mechanism when desired.

An annular relatively rigid ring 95 formed of metal or a similar material is embedded within the inner surface of body portion 35 immediately inwardly of the flexible portion 90, and as seen most clearly in FIG. 7, ring 95 may be provided with a hole 96 therethrough for receiving the hardened insert 93 and for permitting free inward and outward movement of insert 93 along with its associated iiexible portion 90. Ring 95 is also provided with a plurality of spaced openings 98 which during the molding operation allow the material of the body means to flow into these openings thereby rmly locking the ring 95 in operative position.

In some instances, ring 95 may be held in place by suitable bonding cement or the like in which case openings 98 may be eliminated.

As seen for example in FIG. 2, the rear portion of ring 95 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 100 which terminates short of the forward portion of the ring, slot 10@ being aligned with a groove lill provided in the inner surface of the body portion 35. Slot 100 and groove 101 are adapted to receive an outwardly projecting pin 102 xed to the connector means 26 when the connector means is pulled into its operative position within the body 20, the intercooperation between pin 102 and slot being such as to positively prevent any relative rotation between connector means 26 and the surrounding body 20.

Body 21 surrounding the connector means 27 includes a main portion 105 which joins with a portion 106 of reduced outer dimension which in turn joins a tapered portion 107 which surrounds the insulation 108 of cable 25, the conductor 109 of the cable being disposed within the insulated portion thereof.

Electrical connector means 27 includes a body portion 112 having a recess 113 formed at the rear face thereof, portion 112 being formed of a material similar to the portion 45 of the previously described connector means.

A deformable hollow portion 115 similar to portion 47 previously described receives the bared end of the cable and is suitably connected thereto as by crimping or the like as illustrated by reference numeral 117. Here again, the cable may be soldered to body portion 112 if desired.

An annular rigid ring formed of metallic material or the like is embedded Within body portion 105 and has a notch 120 opening through the rear edge thereof and terminating short of the forward edge thereof. A groove 122 is formed in the inner surface of the material of body portion 105 and is aligned with notch 121, the aligned notch and groove being adapted to receive the outer portion of a pin 124 xed to the body portion 112 of connector means 27 for positively preventing any relative rotation between the connector means and the surrounding body 21. The notch and groove may also face in the opposite direction or toward the rear end of the body portion 115 so that the connector means may be inserted from the forward end of the body portion if desired. In order to positively lock the ring 120 in operative position, the ring may be provided with a plurality of spaced openings 126, one of which is seen in FIG. 2 within which the material of the body portion 105 is molded so as to thereby ensure that ring 120 will be retained firmly in operative position. These holes may in some cases be eliminated as discussed in connection with ring 95. Connector means 27 includes a substantially cylindrical portion which fits within the outer portion 131 of body 21, portion 131 having a generally arcuate outer Wall 135 adapted to engage the surface 40 of the body 20 to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween. A radially inwardly extending annular lip 137 is formed at the outer end of portion 131 for engaging the outermost end portion of the connector 27 and serving to protect the connector from damage.

Portion 130 of connector 27 is provided with a cylindrical recess 140 which opens through the outer end of the connector, this cylindrical recess being adapted to snugly receive the cylindrical portion 50 of the other connector when the two connectors are assembled in operative connected relationship. A radially inwardly extending projection 142 is supported by portion 130 of connector 27 and extends into the recess 140. Projection 142 is adapted to be disposed within the circumferentially extending cam groove 60 of the other connector where upon relative rotation between the two connectors causes the projection 142 to ride upon along the cam groove into the operative position shown in FIG. 5 when the two connectors have been moved into electrically connecting relationship with respect to one another.

Connector 27 is provided at the forward portion of recess 140 and at the outer end of the connector with a plurality of ratchet teeth indicated generally by reference numeral which extend circumferentially around the recess. These ratchet teeth may be seen most clearly in FIG. 4, wherein it is apparent that the contiguration and cooperation between the ratchet teeth 150 and the locking tooth 76 is su-ch that it has enabled the connector 27 to be rotated in a clockwise direction with respect to the other connector which remains in its original position as s-hown in the remaining figures of the drawing. It is apparent also that the cooperation between the locking tooth 76 and the ratchet teeth 150 is such that it positively prevents relative rotation of connector 27 in a counter clockwise direction with respect to the other connector as seen in FIG. 4, and that the two connectors can not thereupon be accidentally released until the locking tooth is moved inwardly to a suicient extent to clear the ratchet teeth 150, whereupon the two connectors can lbe fully disengaged from one another.

In order to permit the locking tooth to initially pass inwardly with connector 27, a cutout portion is provided in the end of the connector, this cutout portion including a cam surface 156 along one edge thereof which upon relative turning of the two connectors causes the locking tooth to be cammed downwardly so as to move along the inner surface of the outer portion of connector 27 until it cornes in contact with the ratchet teeth 150.

It will be apparent that when it is desired to interengage the assembly of the present invention, the two portions as seen in FIG. 2 will be moved into contacting relationship with one another such that the cooperating end portions of the bodies 20 and 21 will be brought into contacting fluid-tight relationship and the end surface 160 of body 20 will abut against the end surface 161 of body 21. At the same time, projection 142 will ride along the cutout portion 58 until projection 142 is in the same plane as the circumferentially extending cam groove 60. Simultaneously, the locking tooth 76 will enter the cutout portion 155. The two portions of the assembly have now been moved fully in a longitudinal direction into their engaged position, and then location of the two components with respect to one another will cause the cam tooth 76 to be initially cammed downwardly until it comes in contact with the ratchet teeth 150, and the two bodies 20 and 21 will be rotated with respect to one another until maximum pressure is developed between the projection 142 and the adjacent surface -of the cam groove. The locking member and the ratchet teeth will then prevent rotation in a reverse direction so as to not accidentally release the assembly.

The electrical connector means will then remain in the operative locked relationship as illustrated in FIG. 3 regardless of any twisting or maneuvering of the attached cables. When it is desired subsequently to release the two connectors, the flexible portion 90 of body 20 is pushed inwardly to force the locking tooth 76 out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 150, whereupon the two connectors may be rotated in such a direction so as to release from one another. In this connection, it is noted that the apex portion of tooth 76 lies in a plane with the associated side of the ratchet teeth 150, this plane passing through the central or longitudinal axis of the associated electrical connectors. This arrangement facilitates release of the locking tooth from the ratchet teeth upon a simple inward movement of the flexible portion 90 by pressing manually on the outer surface thereof. It is, of course, apparent that the spring S1 will retain the locking tooth in operative locked relationship with respect to the ratchet teeth under ordinary circumstances.

A second embodiment `of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 8-16. Such second embodiment comprises rst and second insulating bodies 162 and 163 respectively, such insulating bodies being made of rubber, neoprene or other insulating material. Male electrical connector means 165 is disposed within insulating body 162. Connect-or means 165 has a forwardly extending substantially cylindrical connecting portion 166. Portion 166 is split at 167 with portions 170 (upper) and 171 (lower). Threaded hole 172 into which may be threaded set screw 173 is present in portion 170 to provide regulatory means for the relative movement permitted between portions 4171) and 171. Circumferential groove 174 provides a Icam surface in electrical connector means 165, such surface being deepest at 175, and rising to meet the outer surface of portion 17-1 of electrical connector means 165 and 176. We shall see that the cam surface of circumferential groove 174 comes into pla-y when electrical connector 165 is joined With a mating electrical connector to be described subsequently. Longi- -tudinally extending land 177 is formed in upper portion 170 of connector means 165, land 177 terminating at circumferential stop surface 178. Stop surface 178 merges int-o one wall of circumferential groove 174.

A longitudinally extending groove 179 is present in the connector, which groove is open into the external surface of cylindrical portion 166. Disposed within groove 179 is locking member 180 having a main body portion 181, locking tooth 182 being present at yone end of locking member 18@ as an integral part thereof, the other end of said locking member being designated 183.

Locking member 180 is pivotably supported within groove 179 upon pivot pin 185. A radial hole 186 is present in the connector beneath the position occupied by locking tooth 182, and compression spring 18-7 is disposed Within said radial hole 186, :so that normally locking tooth 182 is urged outwardly by said spring 187.

Behind cylindrical connecting portion 166 of electrical connector means 165 is another cylindrical portion 188 of larger diameter than portion 166. Another radial hole 190, disposed in larger cylindrical portion 188, is provided radial hole 19t) being opposite end 183 of locking member 1.80. Radial hole 196 has a portion of larger diameter 191. An actuating pin 192 is disposed within radial hole 198, and extends into the portion of larger diameter 191. Pin 192 has a head 193 within larger diameter portion 191, and free end 183 of the locking member confines head 193 within such larger diameter portion. Pin 192 is thus retained within radial hole 190, yet is slidable therein. Upon movement of i pin 192 in the direction of locking member 180 as indicated by the arrow seen in FIG. 9, it is apparent that locking member 180 will pivot at .185 to cause locking tooth 182 to retract.

Integrated into connector means 165 by soldering or otherwise at the end thereof opposite to split forward portion 166 is collar 194 within which the strands of an electrical cable 195 may be secured as by crimping.

Electrical connector means 165 is shown in the drawings, as would be the case in use, situated completely within insulating body 162. An internal annular metal ring 197 is molded into the interior of insulating body 162, and has a notch 198 therein. Pin 199 is xed in the body of connector means 165, projecting outwardly therefrom. Connector means 165 is positioned properly Within insulating body 162 when pin 199 is disposed within notch 198 as shown in FIG. 9.

Referring to the external configuration of insulating body 162, such insulating body 162 has a main cylindrical portion 203 and an integral rearwardly extending reduced portion 204, which tapers at 205 to fit very closely over the insulation 266 of cable 267, thus providing a fluid tight seal. The internal bore through insulating body 162 is divided into two portions, a first portion 211 of uniform internal diameter extending forwardly from the joinder with cable 207, and a second portion 212 into which the rst extend-s, second portion 212 tapering outwardly to end 213 of insulating body 162.

Because the connector means 165 is disposed entirely within insulating body 162 to forestall any contact of uid with connector means 165, in order to operate actuating pin 192, special provision in the wall of insulating body 162 must be made. Such special provision consists of a relatively thin membrane 217 sealed into the wall of said insulating body from which a rigid leg 218 projects inwardly, said leg being integral with portion 217 of the Wall. Leg 218 registers with actuating pin 192, so that depression of membrane 217 Will depress leg 218 into contact with actuating pin 192, and force such pin to bear against free end 183 of locking member 180. Depression of membrane 217 will thus cause locking tooth to retract and release from engagement with certain ratchet teeth hereinafter described.

Female electrical connector means 221 is disposed within insulating body 163. Electrical connector means 221 consists of a main body portion 222. Secured to portion 222 by soldering or otherwise is collar 223. The conductive strands 226 of an electrical cable 227, such strands being otherwise surrounded by cable insulation 228, may be secured as by crimping within collar 223. The main body portion 222 of electrical connector means 221 is essentially cylindrical, having an outer surface 231 and an inner surface 232. Inwardly projecting guide pin 235 is mounted in interior surface 232, and ratchet teeth 236 extend toward the rear from the forward end, 237 of main body portion 222, the inward extent of such ratchet teeth terminating short of pin 235.

Locating pin 246 projects outwardly from outer surface 231 of electrical connector means 221. lts function is to orient electrical connector means 221 correctly within insulating body 163. Molded into insulating body 163 is annular metal .ring 241 having a notch 242 therein. It is notch 242 which is engaged by locating pin 246, and such engagement prevents rotation of electrical connector means 221 within insulating body 163.

As has been stated, electrical connector means 221 is disposed entirely within insulating body 163. Insulating body 163 has a main cylindrical portion 246, from one end of which extends a portion 247 of reduced diameter. Portion 247 tapers at 248 to further reduced portion 249. Portion 249 of the insulating body fits very closely over the insulation 228 of cable 227 to give a fluid tight seal.

There is at the other end of main portion 246 of insulating body 163 another portion 253 of reduced diameter, such portion 253 tapering outwardly from main portion 246. Tapering portion 253 is designed to wedge t Within internal tapering surface 212 of insulating body 162 when electrical connectors 165 and 222 are interengaged in such manner that there will be a fluid tight seal protecting the electrical connector means.

Electrical connector means 165 within insulating body 162 may be moved into connecting relationship with electrical connector means 221 within insulating body 163. When this is done, the condition illustrated in FlG. 1l will result. The pair of electrical connector means 165 and 221 is locked together because guide pin 23S in connector 221 has been brought into rm Contact with cam groove 174. This results after forward portion 166 of connector means 165 has been introduced into the interior of connector means 221, and upon mutual rotation of the two connector means. vUpon such introduction of connector means 165 into 221, there will at the same time occur a wedge t of tapering portion 253 of insulating body 163 within internal tapering surface 212 of insulating body 162, to give protection to the mating electrical connectors against the entry of moisture or other deleterious media.

The establishment of connecting relationship as described in the preceding paragraph will have one further effect. Upon mutual rotation of connector means 165 and 221, locking tooth portion 182 of locking member 188 will move into engagement with ratchet teeth 236. Such engagement will affirmatively prevent counterrota tion and separation of the electrical connector means 165 and 221 until membrane 217 in insulating body 162 is depressed to cause release `of locking member 188 as heretofore described.

Electrical connector 221 in insulating body 163 provides portable means for insulated electrical connection w-ith connector means 165 in insulating body 162. Alternatively, a stationary panel mounted receptacle .as illustrated in FIG. 17 may be provided for such connection.

Such alternative receptacle includes female electrical connector means 257 having a threaded stud portion 258. Cable 259 has terminal lug 263. Electrical connection to a power source may be made by securing lug 263 upon threaded stud 258 with nut 264. Connector means 257, just as was true with portable connector means 221, has an internal guide pin 268 and ratchet teeth 269 extending rearwardly from the forward end 270 of electrical connector means 257.

`Connector means 257 is disposed wholly within an insulating body 274 having a connector protective portion 275, and a panel mounting portion 276. Connector protective portion 275 is subdivided into body portion 286, and a portion 281 of reduced diameter which tapers outwardly from body portion 280. As was the case with portable insulating body 163, tapering portion 281 will wedge tit within tapering surface 212 of insulating body 162 to provide a moisture tight seal for engaged electrical connector means.

A rigid reinforcing washer 285 is molded within panel mounting portion 276 of insulating body 274. Holes 286 are provided in mounting portion 276, so that by means of bolts 287 and 288, insulating body 274 with electrical connector means 257 therein may be mounted upon a panel 292. Connecting relationship between connector means 165 within insulating body 162 and connector means 257 within insulating body 274 may be established and released in the very same manner as has heretofore been described for connector means 165 in insulating body 162 and connector means 221 in insulating body 163.

AC-onnector protective portion 275 of insulating body 274, it will be observed, is disposed with connector means 257 within it, at an `angle to panel 292. In this manner, stress on panel 292 when a heavy cable is connected to a receptacle as shown in FIG. 17 may be lessened as compared to a panel mounted receptacle with connector means disposed at 90 to the plane of the panel. Connector means with protective insulation therefor may if desired be mounted at 90 to the plane of the panel.

While assemblies according to the present invention have been illustrated with the two insulating bodies provided with cooperating end portions which provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween, it is apparent that the invention is equally applica-ble to an arrangement wherein the outer ends of the sleeves may be disposed abutting or adjacent one .another without necessarily providing a water-tight seal.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiments -are illustrative and not restrictive, and since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changes that fall Within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are therefore intended to be embraced by those claims.

I claim:

1. An insulated electrical connector assembly comprising:

a pair of interengaged electrical connector means, the

first of said pair of electrical connector means providing a receptacle Within which the other of said pair is at least in part disposed, said first of said pair of electrical connector means having an internal guide pin, and the other of said pair having a land surface extending rearwardly from the forward end thereof whereby the forward porti-on thereof may pass by said internal guide pin when said other of said pair is inserted into said iirst electrical connector means, said other of said pair also having a circumferential cam surface, said internal guide pin being brought into tight frictional engagement with said circumferential cam surface upon interengagement of said pair of electrical connector means, and mutual rotation thereof;

circumferential ratchet teeth Within one of said electrical connector means, and a releasable locking member in the other of said electrical connector means in engagement with said ratchet teeth, said re- 1leasable locking member comprising a locking tooth portion, an extended body portion having rst and second ends, said locking tooth portion being situated at said first end of said body portion, a pivot pin upon which said locking member is pivot-ably mounted, said pivot pin being disposed between said first land second ends of said body portion, a Ispring normally exerting a radially outw-ard force lon said first end of `said body portion, and actuating means for exerting a radi-ally outward force on said second end of said body portion;

a pair of insulating bodies, each of said pair of electrical connector means being disposed within one of said insulating bodies, and separable means in said insulating bodies, said separable means being interengaged so that a uid tight seal for said pair of electrical connector means is provided; and

pressure means in one of said insulating bodies in registry with said actuating means, so that upon the exertion of pressure upon said pressure means by an externally applied force, said actuating means will exert a radially outward force on said second end of said body portion, causing said body portion to pivot about said pivot pin, and retract said locking tooth portion.

2. An insulated electrical connector assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pressure means comprises a membrane sealed into `the wall of one of said insulating bodies, and a leg composed of a rigid material projecting inwardly of said one insulating body from said membrane, said ieg being in registry with said actuating means.

3. An insulated electrical connector assembly compr1s1ng:

a pair of interengaged electrical connector means, the

first of said pair of electrical connector means providing a receptacle within which the other of said pair is at least in part disposed, said rst of said pair of electrical connector means having an internal guide pin, and the other of said pair having a land surface extending rearwardly from the forward end thereof whereby the forward portion thereof may pass by said internal guide pin when said other of said pair is inserted into said rst electrical connector means, said other of said pair also having a circumferential cam surface, said internal guide pin being brought into tight frictional engagement with said circumferential cam surface upon interengagement of said pair of electrical connector means, and mutual rotation thereof;

circumferential ratchet teeth within one of said electrical connector means, and a releasable locking member in the other of said electrical connector means in engagement with said ratchet teeth, said locking member having a locking tooth portion at one end thereof, a spring normally exerting a radially outward force on said locking member, retaining means for normally retaining said locking member in part within said one of said electrical connector means, and an edge in said locking member upon which pressure may be exerted to retract said locking tooth from engagement with said ratchet teeth;

a pair of insulating bodies, each of said pair of electrical connector means being disposed within one of said insulating bodies, and separable means in said insulating bodies, said separable means being interengaged so that a fluid tight seal for said pair of electrical connector means is provided; and

a membrane sealed into the wall of one of said insulat- 1ng bodies, and a leg composed of a rigid material projecting inwardly of said one insulating body from said membrane, said leg being in registry With said edge in said locking member, so that upon the exertion of pressure upon said membrane by an externally applied force, said locking tooth portion will be depressed out of engagement with said ratchet teeth. f 4. An insulated electrical connector assembly cornprising:

a pair of flexible electrical cables;

rst and second interengaged electrical connector means mounted on ends of said pair of cables to electrically -interconnect said pair of cables, the rst of said means providing a receptacle within which the second means is at least in part disposed;

cooperating pin and cam means in said electrical connector means for holding said rst and second electrical connector means in releasable electrical contact;

ratchet means within said rst electrical connector means, and locking means in releasable engagement with said ratchet means, said locking means being mounted on said second electrical connector means;

insulating means surrounding said first and second electrical connector means; and

a portion of said insulating means adjacent said locking means being of sufficient flexibility whereby an external pressure applied to said portion Will release said releasable locking means from engagement with said ratchet means.

5. An insulated electrical connector assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein said ratchet means comprises a plurality of ratchet teeth extending axially in said receptacle, and

said locking means comprises a locking member having a locking tooth portion in releasable engagement With said ratchet teeth.

6. An insulated electrical connector assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein said reachet means comprises a plurality of ratchet teeth circumferentially,spaced within said receptacle and extending axially therein, and

said locking means comprises a locking member having a locking tooth portion disposible between two of said ratchet teeth, said locking member being pivotable out of engagement with said ratchet teeth upon the exertion of pressure upon said locking member to permit release of said connectors.

7. An insulated electrical connector assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein said ratchet means comprises a plurality of ratchet teeth circumferentially spaced within said Areceptacle and extending axially therein, and wherein said second electrical `connector means has an axial groove therein, said locking means being situated in part within said groove, and including a retaining ring in engagement with said locking means and said second electrical connector means to pivotably retain said locking means within said second electrical connector,

said locking means comprising a locking member having a locking tooth portion disposable between two of said ratchet teeth to lock said tirst and second electrical connector means together, and an edge therein, said locking tooth being pivotable out of engagement with said ratchet teeth upon the exertion of an external pressure upon said edge.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,717,186 6/ 1929 Cargle.

2,632,789 3/1953A Modrey 339-75 X 2,907,973 lO/1959 Stevens 339-59 3,109,690 11/1963 Stevens 339-60 3,143,384 8/1964 Senior 339-59 PATRICK A. CLIFFORD, Primary Examiner.

W. DONALD MILLER, Examiner. 

4. AN INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY COMPRISING: A APIR OF FLEXIBLE ELECTRICAL CABLES; FIRST AND SECOND INTERENGAGED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR MEANS MOUNTED ON ENDS OF SID PAIR OF CABLES TO ELECTRICALLY INTERCONNECTED SAID PAIR OF CABLES, THE FIRST OF SAID MEANS PROVIDING A RECEPTACLE WITHIN WHICH THE SECOND MEANS IS AT LEAST IN PART DISPOSED; COOPERATING PIN AND CAM MEANS IN SAID ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR MEANS FOR HOLDING SAID FIRST AND SECOND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR MEANS IN RELEASABLE ELECTRICAL CONTACT; RATCHET MEANS WITHIN SAID FIRST ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR MEANS, AND LOCKING MEANS IN RELEASABLE ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID RATCHET MEANS, SAID LOCKING MEANS BEING MOUNTED ON SAID SECONS ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR MEANS; INSULATING MEANS SURROUNDING SAID FIRST AND SECOND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR MEANS; AND A PORTION OF SID INSULATING MEANS ADJACENT SAID LOCKING MEANS BEING OF SUFFICIENT FLEXIVILITY WHEREBY AN EXTERNAL PRESSURE APPLIED TO SAID PORTION WILL RELEASE SAID RELEASABLE LOCKING MEANS FROM ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID RATCHET MEANS. 